Sri Lanka
Policies to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Practices
Sri Lanka has established a robust framework of policies aimed at preventing deforestation and promoting environmentally sustainable practices in rubber cultivation. The Forest Policy and the National Environmental Act of 1980 serve as key regulations that inhibit the clearing of forests for commercial plantations. The government has identified various causes of deforestation, including encroachments and infrastructure development, and has implemented a protected area system covering approximately 11.6% of the country's land. Specific regulations prohibit land clearing in environmentally sensitive regions, ensuring the conservation of these critical areas.
To further promote sustainability, Sri Lanka has enacted laws such as the Control of Pesticides Act to regulate the use of agrochemicals in rubber plantations. The Sri Lanka Natural Agriculture Policy encourages the use of organic farming practices and bio-pesticides, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the Soil Conservation Act addresses soil erosion and maintenance of soil quality, while various regulations mandate the establishment of effluent treatment systems in rubber processing facilities. The government also supports sustainability certifications like ISO 22000, indicating a growing trend toward environmentally friendly practices within the rubber industry.
Moreover, the Sri Lankan Rubber Industry Masterplan promotes the value addition of rubberwood, aiming to establish processing units to supply high-quality timber to local industries. This initiative not only helps reduce pressure on forest timber but also supports the creation of higher-value wood products for export. Although there is currently no system for full traceability of natural rubber, the Masterplan’s focus on sustainable practices and the promotion of biodiversity through various agricultural methods indicates a commitment to enhancing the environmental integrity of the rubber sector.
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Policies to Promote Socially Sustainable Practices
Sri Lanka has implemented the Smallholder’s Tea and Rubber Revitalization (STARR) project, funded by IFAD, to promote socially sustainable practices in rubber cultivation. Launched in 2015, the project aims to alleviate poverty and uplift socially backward communities by enhancing food security, increasing family incomes, and strengthening resilience among rural populations. By improving the productivity and profitability of rubber smallholdings, the project enables smallholders to organize locally, produce, and market rubber more efficiently while also gaining better access to credit.
The STARR project also places a strong emphasis on gender equality, ensuring at least 30% female participation in its initiatives to empower women in rubber production, harvesting, and processing. Additionally, the program aims to rehabilitate tribal communities by discouraging shifting cultivation practices, providing each identified beneficiary farmer with one hectare of land to cultivate rubber. To safeguard workers in the rubber industry, the Factories Ordinance Act mandates safety measures and welfare provisions in factories, establishing minimum standards to maintain a safe work environment.